A Time to Build

A Time to Build w A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

My sweet husband loves to build things with wood and I love it when he has the time to create. He is precise and thoughtful as he constructs which means it often takes a lot of time. I am an impatient person, so the anything I plan and attempt to execute need to give me some good feedback pretty quickly, otherwise I get distracted or frustrated.

Building a house, a home, a family, a friendship, a career, a life, or a business takes a lot of time and energy. It requires a vision and the tools for the task. And it is important to have a healthy pace; enough to see progress but not too much to rush the job and cut corners. It requires a lot of planning and doing and effort on our part. There are also many stages and messes and situations that cause challenges to the building process; things we might see as delays or distractions but can serve as an opportunity to refine our vision for the end goal.

As God works in our lives, weaving all situations and circumstances to show His grace and His glory, we can be sure that He, too, is planning and patient and has a vision for our future. It may look messy and we might be frustrated by detours and delays but His work continues, in and through us.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. [Romans 5: 1-5 NIV]

I know God is working on my character. And, He knows I need a bit of work. But even as I encounter difficult circumstances in my life, I don’t know that my faith in His goodness and mercy and grace has ever been in question. I have been frustrated. I have experienced disappointment. But my hope is secure.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”
by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Hymn #370
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: 1 Timothy 1:1
Author: Edward Mote, c. 1834, cento
Composer: John Stainer, 1873, arr.
Tune: “Magdalen”

On the Way,

Liz

A Time to Plant

Sunflowers_m — A beautiful sunflower field in Hungary.

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Even though we saw some beautiful and huge flakes of snow yesterday morning in southern Indiana, Spring is just around the corner. It is officially time to be thinking about what we will have in our garden this year.

Gardening is a great activity for many reasons and I am already looking forward to contributing my thoughts to the discussion. I love the harvest part but it really is Don who loves to plan and execute the gardening. I love the idea and I love the produce but I have a hard time getting motivated in the beginning because the plants start so slow and the weeds grow so fast.

Of course, whether or not we have gardens, we are planting seeds of something. What is in your garden?

Seeds of mistrust.

Seeds of anger.

Seeds of fear.

Seeds of disappointment.

Seeds of encouragement.

Seeds of faith.

Seeds of love.

Seeds of forgiveness.

Seeds of mercy.

Seeds of grace.

Seeds of friendship.

Seeds of health.

What do you hope to harvest? Are you planting and working towards those areas where you need to grow? Even before you can really get into the idea of casting seeds, it is important to look at where you are sowing. Sometimes there is a bit of pre-work that needs to be done.

Compromised soil can challenge the best of seeds.

Consider what you would like to see more of in your life. Of course, Scripture is full of inspiration. We need all of God’s good gifts and while we think we can be in control of all we want to see, yielding to God’s work in our hearts and lives will reveal a bountiful harvest beyond what we can even hope for or imagine. As you think about what you are planting this year in terms of flowers or fruits or herbs or vegetables reflect on all that God is and has been doing in your life. What part of the process can you most relate to with the work God is doing in your heart and life right now?

Planning…the yield.

Preparing…the soil.

Sowing…the seeds.

Removing…the weeds.

Feeding and watering…the young, vulnerable shoots.

Nurturing…their growth.

Collecting…the fruits of labor.

Sharing…the harvest.

The Parable of the Sower

Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” [Mark 4:4-9 NIV]

Where is God working in your life to produce His harvest? Is He working the soil in order to yield a harvest only He can orchestrate?

On the Way,

Liz

A Time to Mourn

Stained glass w

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

In the Myers-Briggs world, I am most strongly an INFP so I am a “feeler”. This explains why my heart has been grieving so much recently. It’s been aching for those who mourn. Many of my loved ones are facing some very difficult things and I am feeling it.

I would love to fix these painful situations all around me because it is uncomfortable to be in the presence of those who mourn but I need to allow everyone their space and time to process loss in their way. I can be with them by listening, praying, loving, and, sometimes, just sitting with them. It’s important for each of us to come to terms with the heartbreaking journey we each will travel in this life. Life isn’t easy and it isn’t fair. That has never been a promise for us to cling to.

Sometimes we will be on smaller mourning paths. Everyone encounters different griefs in life, but there are lesser losses. Of course, it all depends on one’s perspective and previous circumstances and experience. Loss is loss. These smaller side roads help us practice the processing of grief in preparation for those biggies. The unimaginables. Those struggles that we want to run away from because they are so large and life challenging and life changing.

I was about thirteen when I distinctly remember running to God when I was in pain.

And my pain involved loss experienced a number of years before. I have been running to Him ever since for His peace, perspective, His healing, and His joy. I am not always patient in affliction and I don’t always automatically look to God first but, eventually, I do get there. He consistently delivers His hope to my broken heart.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12: 10-13 NIV

Our world, no matter how comfortable it can be, is full of a lot of suffering. But moving my focus from me to God and what He has done for me and continues to do for me in the midst of my struggles gives me hope. It isn’t that there isn’t a time to mourn because there is. But how I process my loss is incredibly important.

I have been through a few things in my life but there are other things I have not faced. I can’t always relate in a comparable way. But as I watch and stand alongside, I do feel. And feeling leads me to pray. I pray for God to be able to reach through the darkness and share His peace, love, and perspective with those who are mourning today.

On the Way,

Liz

A Time to Love

A Time to Love w

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Loving isn’t always easy. Even though it is often romanticized and can be full of fun and warm fuzzy feelings, true love is always about so much more than that.

In the world, our nation, and in our communities there are heartbreaking things that are happening every single day. And even though there is devastation all around, my heart is even more broken for those around me, family and friends, who are struggling with very, very difficult challenges every day.

We have the greatest opportunity to love within our family and friend circle. When I consider the people I know and love and some of their circumstances, I am often paralyzed because I want to relieve the pain but I cannot: a beloved father dying, the sudden death of a beloved spouse, a cancer recurring, a family of young children in limbo, the homeless, parents who are burying their child, those coping with drug addiction, the struggle of disabilities, a young mother with cancer, the list goes on….and on….

Where do I even start?

Where can I draw the strength for loving others as they travel through unimaginable circumstances? The deep love that is required to be supportive through difficult trials can only come through God. It is only through His strength that I can bear any extraordinary burden. And true love often requires uncommon effort — fueled by God.

We love because he first loved us. ~ 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

It is always the time to love. Every person can reach out and share tangible love to those in their sphere of influence.

Show up.

Sit.

Listen.

Call.

Write.

Text.

Cook.

Pray.

Do.

Hold.

Share.

Connect.

Make yourself available, even though it pains you to watch someone in pain. Ask God to give you His eyes to see the needs and His strength to love. He surely will meet you there and give you what is needed for the moment and for the long haul.

On the Way,

Liz

PrayerPoints are daily Lenten devotionals that reveal a little about what God is working on in me. I pray they give you an opportunity to consider something from a different viewpoint.

A Time to Throw Away

Budapest Piano_w — A random piano in Budapest!

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

We have moved several times through the years which provides a natural opportunity to get rid of a few things. I remember a few years back when we were moving from Indiana to New York and my husband was not terribly insistent that the younger girls do a lot of purging. I thought it was a perfect time to throw out a few things and he insisted we didn’t push the issue. While my husband and I gave away, donated, and threw away all kinds of things, the girls did not. We agreed that as long as the girls were willing to pack their own boxes, whatever they kept was fine with us.

As we prepared to move from New York last spring, the girls were 4 years older and hadn’t necessarily spent a lot of time with all of the treasures they brought with them to New York. As they sorted through their stuff to pack up and move again, they were shocked at the things they had chosen to bring along from Indiana. These “treasures” they lugged across the country were not so important after all. But it took them some time and perspective to come to that conclusion. Purging when we left New York was so much easier than when we left Indiana. Some of it was age and some of it was perspective. Some of the things tied to memories they held onto had seemed incredibly important at that time but now were not. The girls donated and pitched all kinds of things this time around.

Often we hold onto things so tightly until we are ready to let go. And once we are ready, we are really ready to be done with whatever it is. Sometimes it is physical stuff or negative emotions or bad habits or toxic relationships or a grudge.

Are you holding onto things that really just need to be let go? I know I am. Even though I tend to be the person that holds onto things because I see they have potential future use, I definitely get bogged down trying to manage all the possibilities and potential. And I absolutely hold onto things that are detrimental to my spiritual health. I know God is working on my heart to get rid of some things that are hanging around and do not serve any positive value in my life. Purging some junk is definitely in order!

I love the specific opportunity to reflect during the Lenten season: it’s like boot camp for my heart — it strengthens me in my faith and softens my heart to God all at the same time. Thanks for joining me on this journey! I would love to hear the ways God is working on your heart.

On the Way,

Liz

A Time for Everything

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

In the scheme of life, we are all run by some sort of clock whether it is internal or external. If we live where there are distinctive seasons our activities are sometimes centered around those transitions. But even if there aren’t definite weather seasons where we are, there are seasons in life, jobs, relationships, growth, faith — you name it!

When our kids were little, we never wished they would move through stages quickly — we knew that each child had to move at their own pace and we had to let them figure it out and trust their own stride. We each have our own unique tempo. Sometimes we are attracted to those who have a similar beat and other times, knowing we need a change in pace, we find ourselves connecting with others who have a very different pulse. Sometimes I have to be very intentional about slowing down my pace because once I get going I struggle with turning my brain off to relax a bit. I am thankful for changes in pace, even though they take some getting used to. Measuring our progress by speed is useful in some ways but not in all. Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.

I love that God has created us each in a unique way and with a unique pace. I appreciate those around me who share my rhythm as well as those who challenge my stride.

Has your regular rhythm been challenged recently? Are you frustrated with how slowly things may seem to be moving in certain areas of your life? If you allow it, God may use your new pace might bring along a new perspective and a new peace about your circumstance.

On the way,

Liz

Charm is Deceptive

charmw

I have been mulling over the word “charming” lately.

Often Prince Charming is seen as a good guy — he sweeps a gal off her feet and takes care of her for the rest of her life. But being charming isn’t always a good thing. When someone wants something they might manipulate by “turning on the charm”, batting their eyes, or somehow communicate that they want something from you.

Have you ever been charmed by someone? While I don’t always recognize it immediately, I often am able to sniff out that person who is working the crowd (or a vulnerable person) for their own gain. I can’t stand to watch it but it seems to be one of those things people need to learn how to recognize for themselves. Unfortunately, being burned once or twice by this type of person is the best way to learn. In fact, the sooner one learns the tricks a sycophant plays the better because when someone knows what you long for be it recognition, prestige, devotion, etc. they will be sure to create the opportunity to deliver it to you. And that makes one very vulnerable and compromises discernment.

Some things to think about:

Where are you vulnerable? Have you ever sensed someone trying to take advantage of you?

Have you ever been guilty of exploiting someone else’s vulnerabilities for your own gain?

As you ponder these questions, ask God to open your eyes to where you might be susceptible to be snared as well as when you may have manipulated someone else for your own benefit. And be cautious around those who are exceedingly charming. I suspect they are not up to much good.

On the Road,

Liz

charmerw

Take the Time!

burnoutw God is always working in my life but sometimes I just have to slow down and pay attention. That is a part of why I like cycling, especially on a path. The freedom to ponder situations is so important for me. But it is also important to view things in light of Scripture and that means I have to be in God’s Word to get His perspective. I know that if I am unchecked by Scripture, I can muddle all sorts of things rather quickly.

The very moment I think my life is too complicated for contemplation I know I am desperately in need for some. Reflection always leads me to prayer and God adjusting my attitude towards a person or circumstance.

Feeling bogged down and out of time? Stop and pray for your perspective and the day. Don’t budge out the very thing that will give you precisely what you need to accomplish the task!

On the Road,

Liz

Taking Him at His Word

Risenw

He is Risen!

He is Risen, indeed!

Alleluia!

When I struggle to accept someone’s word it is because I have been tricked before. When my trust has been violated it makes it very difficult for the next person to get a fair shake. Even though I have trust issues for good reason, I have always been able to take God at His Word. I am thankful for that faith He planted in me through baptism and nurtured through the years. I love His work in my life even if it is difficult during the process. Looking at the betrayal of Jesus and all the other painful events of Good Friday, I can see what God has done (and is doing) for me. Right now.

Today.

And He has done it for you, too!

On the Road,

Liz

Here are a few promises to hang onto:

eastw redemptionw

ThyWaysw 2

We are waiting…

He is workingw

There is so much activity while waiting.

We fidget.
We tap.
We wonder.
We pace.
We pray.
We plead.
We beg.
We stress out.
We cry.
We implore.
We stomp.
We question.
We contemplate.
We plan.
We are hope full.
We are dread full.
We are pessimistic.
We are cautiously optimistic.
We are waiting….

Violetsse Sometimes our waiting is a looming dread and sometimes it is a joyful anticipation of what lies ahead. But God is always working, sometimes behind the scenes where we don’t see the entire layout of the plan. We might just see little bits and pieces of His work poke through like flowers peek through winter debris in early spring.

His work is not fully revealed until the appointed time.

On the Road,

Liz

Hymn #370 The Lutheran Hymnal Text: 1 Timothy 1:1 Author: Edward Mote, c. 1834, cento Composer: John Stainer, 1873, arr. Tune: “Magdalen”

Compromised soil can challenge the best of seeds.

Where is God working in your life to produce His harvest? Is He working the soil in order to yield a harvest only He can orchestrate?

He is Risen!

He is Risen, indeed!

Alleluia!

And He has done it for you, too!

Hymn #370
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: 1 Timothy 1:1
Author: Edward Mote, c. 1834, cento
Composer: John Stainer, 1873, arr.
Tune: “Magdalen”